For the last few days Larry Moss and I have been birding in
Okanogan / Douglas counties and rather than list all the species seen
(which others have already done), I thought that I would just mention
three very memorable birding moments that occurred on the trip.
First though I wanted to say it was great running into old friends
and meeting new ones every day. Neil & Carlene Zimmerman (looking for
White-winged Crossbills), Scott Carpenter, Dwight Porter, Stefan
Schlick, Larry and I while birding one evening in Conconully, Khanh
Tran and some super ladies from my 2002 Master Birder Class (Nancy
Alden, Vicki King, Penny Koyama, Kristin Stewart, and Rachel Lawson)
while having dinner at the Breadline Restaurant in Omak -- who could
ask for more? - Well probably I could; how about some birds to go
along with this setting.
Late on Saturday afternoon (our first day of birding) Larry and I
were situated along the lower Central Ferry Canyon Road when wave upon
wave of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS started flying over (500+ birds) and landing
in orchards just out of our view. It was awesome seeing so many of
them arriving at this spot at the same time (like someone had just
rung the dinner bell), truly a great moment. We then traveled a
little lower down the road and had good looks a some perched up in a
poplar tree.
On Sunday, again late in the afternoon; Scott Carpenter, Dwight
Porter, Stefan Schlick, Larry, and I were in Conconully near the State
Park deciding to walk around a block or two to see what would show up
when a juvenile NORTHERN GOSHAWK came flying low directly over us
allowing for super looks and a few photos. Such a nice bird for
everyone to get great looks at and enjoy with one another - ahh! a
second very memorable birding moment.
Monday Morning Larry and I were birding along the Bridgeport Hill
Road (West Foster Creek Area) looking for SHARP-TAILED GROUSE when two
were spotted. We were near our vehicle scoping one bird feeding in
the top of a Water Birch when the WOS Field Trip group drove up and as
introductions were being made quite a few more grouse flew into the
trees providing good binocular and great scope views. Although I did
not make an exact count (including the two birds we had seen earlier)
there were about 15 grouse seen. A nice sighting for everyone present
to share in.
Although birding seemed very slow at times some good birds were
observed on this trip and the Okanogan produces again.


Cheers and Good Birding;

Michael Fleming
Ballard, Washington
michaelfleming01 AT gmail.com